Happy Monday, NewsFeeders. Time to swap the sweats for slacks and head back to the daily grind.

We hope you’re relaxed and ready to work, and as usual, the only thing missing from your Monday morning is a taste of what you missed this past weekend. Well, never fear, NewsFeed was tuned in all weekend, and we’re happy to catch you up with the latest and greatest happenings.

Tragic Massacre in Arizona: Admittedly, you’d have had to try very hard to tune out this weekend’s major story. Every news channel devoted round-the-clock coverage to the event. A 22-year-old gunman opened fire on a meet-and-greet at a Tucson Safeway, killing six and injuring 14. Still in critical condition is Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who was hosting the event. The deceased include a federal judge who simply stopped by to visit Giffords, and a 9-year-old girl who, in one of those incomprehensible coincidences, was born on Sept. 11, 2001.

In countless news conferences with doctors and law enforcement officials, accusations were made and fingers were pointed. The Pima County (Ariz.) sheriff blamed the event on ever-inflammatory political rhetoric in the U.S., calling it “vitriol,” which quickly became the buzzword of the weekend. Will the shooting launch a change in the political conversation in America? (via TIME)

Southern Sudan Seeks Independence in Historic Vote: This time next week, the largest African nation could find itself split in two. A referendum vote launched Sunday morning and will last through the week, and analysts are calling the secession an almost certainty. Sudanese people turned out in droves to cast their votes, with many in the south looking to end the decades of fighting and persecution from the north. (via New York Times)

CES 2011 Closes Up Shop: The Consumer Electronics Show wrapped up this weekend in Las Vegas after giving technophiles a glimpse of the next year – and really, the future – of technology. Tablets and touchscreens ruled the show, as companies predict we’ll soon want everything in the palms of our hands – but don’t we have that already? (via Gizmodo)

NFL Wild Card Weekend Is Wild Indeed: The first week of the NFL playoffs kicked off this weekend with Wild Card face-offs, and naturally, upsets and surprises abounded. The Seattle Seahawks made history as the first 7-9 team to make the playoffs and will continue their postseason run after beating the Saints with a last-minute touchdown. The Jets sent Payton Manning’s Colts home for the season following a last-second field goal. The Ravens and the Packers will also be heading onto the next round, keeping their Super Bowl hopes alive. (via Sports Illustrated)

Viral Video: Ever wonder how you never see the UPS guy pull up to your door? College Humor found out how the delivery people so stealthily avoid you when dropping off a package.